Omayra Sánchez

Omayra Sánchez ( born August 28, 1972; † November 16, 1985 in Armero ) was a Colombian girl who was pinched by the eruption of Nevado del Ruiz volcano in the town of Armero in a mud hole on 13 November 1985.

Omayra was stuck up to his neck in rubble, mud, concrete and water and died on 16 November, after more than 60 hours of toxic gases and hypothermia. The rescue attempts were in vain, as a special pump would have been necessary, not in time arrived at the scene.

My agony was followed in disaster coverage to millions of television viewers. The released film and photographs documenting their fate and their death, excited much attention and were discussed controversially. Especially in the foreground was the question about the role and behavior of the photographer and the lack of willingness to help the Colombian government during the disaster. A captured by photographer Frank Fournier Picture of the jammed girl was elected Press Photo of the Year 1985.

During their suffering Omayra Sánchez gave their friends and relatives, even publicly, always hope and confidence. Her mother survived the disaster, as it was at this time in Bogotá. Her brother survived well, her father died, however.